?<strong>Chapter 264:</strong>


    Corrie realized she had underestimated Elyse. She had assumed Elyse married Jayden for his wealth and status. Surprisingly, it turned out Elyse genuinely loved Jayden. What was so special about him? He was disabled. No one knew if he was still capable in more intimate aspects in bed. Any sensible woman would hesitate to marry him. Elyse was hopelessly foolish in Corrie’s eyes. Corrie rolled her eyes covertly, her disdain for Elyse growing.


    Elyse lowered her gaze, pondering how to respond politely to Corrie’s question. “I won’t divorce Jayden, Corrie. You might as well give up,” Jayden’s voice echoed suddenly, startling everyone like thunder on a clear day. Elyse was taken aback, looking at him with eyes filled withplex emotions. Jayden had never been open about his feelings, but now he wasmitting to a lifelong rtionship. She was baffled.


    Jayden looked directly at Corrie, his voice conveying protection for Elyse, firm resolve, and visible irritation towards Corrie. Corrie was insignificant to him, yet she had the guts to question his marriage. Who did she think she was?


    Elyse remained silent for a few moments before lifting her head and saying, “I have never wanted to divorce Jayden either, Miss Bates. There’s no need for your tests.” Their firm statements nearly wiped the smirk off Corrie’s face. She had met with Elyse expecting to rile her up, not to be countered so effectively by the couple. However, Corrie wasn’t ready to back down.


    Thinking of her gift, she was still full of hope. “Alright, I’ve said what I wanted to. Please excuse me. Your public disys of affection are too much,” Corrie sneakily nced at Jayden’s legs and smiled at Elyse. “By the way, I didn’t wish you a happy birthday earlier. A bted happy birthday to you. I hope you two find lifelong happiness.”


    Elyse forced a smile, “Thank you.” Corrie grabbed her purse and exited the house. Watching her leave, Elyse put away her polite facade and headed upstairs. Jayden noticed her mood shift instantly. One moment she was nestling in his embrace, the next she had pulled away. Jayden’s expression turned grim.


    Driscoll, having observed the entire interaction, adjusted his approach and suggested, “Mrs. Owen seems upset. Why don’t you try to soothe her? If this continues, it could strain your rtionship.”


    Rubbing his temples, Jayden replied wearily, “I’ve tried to soothe her repeatedly. What more can I do? Should I kneel down to her?”


    Driscoll stayed silent, not daring to make a sound. Jayden was under a lot of pressuretely. Debora had just returned from overseas, and the future of the Owen Group hung in the bnce. He had to monitor it closely. At the same time, the person who had harmed him a year ago had been revealed. He was resolved to eliminate this threat. He had considered sharing these developments with Elyse but decided against it after some thought. If he shared his troubles, he knew it would only make another person worry about him. He was familiar with how caring Elyse could be. Whenever she found the time, she would massage his legs. When she first mentioned the massage, he had thought she was kidding and would give up in a few days. However, she still hadn’t stopped it. He had to acknowledge that he had underestimated her persistence.


    “Don’t worry. She’lle around. Everything will be fine,” Jayden said casually. Driscoll merely grunted in response, not daring to express his disagreement. He doubted that Elyse would recover her spirits so quickly.


    From his own 20-year marriage, he knew all too well that ignoring his wife’s feelings usually ended badly. Jayden hadn’t yet learned this harsh lesson. Driscoll looked at him withpassion, hoping he wouldn’t have to learn it the hard way.


    Elyse returned to the bedroom, leaned back against the door, and sighed. She was unsure of what she wanted. After being in a daze for a while, she sat down on a chair. Shortly after, there was a knock at the door. Opening it, she found Driscoll there with a gift box. He exined, “This is Miss Bates’ gift. You left it in the living room.”


    “What good coulde from anything Corrie gave her?” Elyse pursed her lips. She was certain that Corrie’s visit was not well-intentioned. Whatever was inside the gift box was likely part of her scheme.


    Driscoll sensed her reluctance and suggested cautiously, “If you’d prefer, I can dispose of it for you.”


    Raising an eyebrow, Elyse took the box and replied, “It’s fine. That’s her way of extending a gesture. I’ll ept it.”


    Driscoll looked puzzled but nodded and left. Elyse shut the door again and took the gift box to her dresser. Her instincts told her that Corrie wouldn’t have sent anything pleasant, but curiosity got the better of her. With a resolute expression, she opened the gift box. Seeing the thing in it, Elyse scoffed.


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